They say April showers bring May flowers, and Portland music fans—so patient in the rain—are now seeing a bunch of excellent music scene developments at the end of April and beginning of May. This week, we’re celebrating the live music line-up of One Moto Show, Sotaé headlining May’s edition of The Thesis, and a new live EP from Portland jazz trio Integer. Plus! Rap/soul sensation Lizzo is bringing her Special Tour to Moda Center this fall! Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday April 29! Ah!
MUST-SEE:
Two can’t miss upcoming shows.
One Motorcycle Show
With a bevy of motorcycles and motorcycle builders as well as a vendor mall full of art, tattoo booths, helmets and other gear, One Moto ‘22 damn-near mandates attendance for motorcycle aficionados. However, in addition to the welding demos and stunt shows, there's also a plethora of alluring music acts scheduled: The lineup spans everything from apocalyptic cowgirl tunes by Roselit Bone to the psyche/garage rock of The Shivas. Prince tribute band Erotic City, punk metal masters Hög, hard rock bangers Danava, and psyche funk folks Tricky Thing also grace the stage. And do not sleep on the food and drink at this event. One Moto brought on some of the hottest names in Portland's food scene—like Magna Kusina, Flying Fish, and Nico's Ice Cream—to sustain their foodie fans through multiple days of fun. (Fri April 29-Sun May 1, 9 am, Zidell Barge Building, 2020 SW 4th Ste #600, schedule here, tickets here)
The Thesis: Sotaè, Marki$ Apollo, Snoogz, KNDRX, Verbz
Longstanding first Thursday hip-hop night The Thesis continues its streak with another stellar May showcase. This month, they’re shining a hot spotlight on rapper, singer-songwriter, and rising star in the local hip-hop/R&B scene Sotaé—who has been winning crowds for her collaborations with other Portland-based artists like Fountaine on the rousing “Lil B, ” and soul singer Veana Baby on the smooth and sultry “Honey Dip” and “Wake Up.” In addition to being an excellent opportunity to experience Sotaé live, this month's Thesis also offers sets from trap-influenced Dallas-to Portland rapper Marki$ Apollo, fellow Portland rapper and Vinnie Dewayne-collaborator Snoogz, and hip-hop artist KNDRX (FKA Cory Kendrix)—who’s currently on tour in support of his recent project Gumbo. And don't overlook the stalwart hosting of DJ Verbz. (Thurs May 5, 9 pm, Kelly’s Olympian, 426 SW Washington, $15-20, tickets here)
MUST-LISTEN:
One great new release from a locally relevant artist.
Live at Blue Butler Studios, Integer
On April 15, Portland acoustic jazz trio Integer released a new live, self-titled EP, following up their other self-titled EP from last year, and 2019’s Integer [x]. Recorded by Andrew Jones at the aforementioned Southeast Portland recording studio, the live trio of pianist/composer Todd Marston, acoustic bassist Andrew Jones, and drummer Micah Hummel kicks off with an exceedingly somber, piano-driven “Drawing In." “Hurry Up & Wait” is more upbeat, and lets Hummel's light rhythms shine, making for some nice, chillhop-esque background noise. Listen to the full EP below:
ADDED TO THE QUEUE:
Some upcoming music buzz to put on your radar.
Lizzo
Making her seventh visit to the Rose City in the last six years, Lizzo is coming to Portland (again) on November 4, this time with special guest/Georgia rapper Latto! In support of her forthcoming Special album, this tour—dubbed The Special Tour—will see the singer/rapper/flutist take the Moda Center Stage to perform a setlist of mega-hits. We're expecting recent singles like “About Damn Time,” and the ultra-vulnerable title track, viral Cuz I Love Youhits like “Truth Hurts” and “Juice.” Then we also greedily demand some of the earlier self-care anthems like “Coconut Oil,” and “Water Me.” In recent years Lizzo has played at various venues, from Doug Fir, Roseland, and Wonder Ballroom to Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and Edgefield, so it only makes sense she’s finally getting to slay for a massive audience at Rose Quarter. If you are one of the presale-annointed, tickets are already on sale. Everyone else, get ready to scoop your spots tomorrow, Friday, April 29, at 10 am! For an excitable tease of what to expect at a Lizzo concert (celebratory vibes! joyful twerking!), see her recent hosting on Saturday Night Live, where she was also the musical guest.
